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LS600 infotainment system upgrade

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Old 04-26-16 | 06:35 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by jasone36
In my 2013, the various "apps" like Pandora and Yelp are closed off to me (I don't have a subscription).

Of course, I can stream via Bluetooth Streaming Audio, but I cannot seem to access the Pandora/Yelp interface directly via the car's system.

Am I missing something? Any insight would be appreciated.
You might want to look into that. All of that kept working when I did not renew the enform on my 2013 GS.

Try creating an account:

https://www.lexusenformappsuite.com/login.jsp
Old 04-27-16 | 06:43 AM
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SW15LS, thank you very much for the response.

You opened up my mind... I had erroneously assumed that the entire AppSuite was closed off to me, since I didn't have the subscription. I hadn't even bothered to install the software on my cell phone, thinking there was no point! And I was wrong...

From the Lexus Enform FAQ:

"Lexus Enform App Suite does not require an activation fee or monthly recurring fees, however, registration is required. Lexus Enform apps rely on the customer's smartphone data plan."

Now I can't wait to get into my 2013 LS and try it out...

Thanks to folks like you, SW15LS, this forum is so great.
Old 04-27-16 | 06:55 AM
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Not a problem! Glad I could help!
Old 04-27-16 | 07:15 AM
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Originally Posted by SW15LS
The big difference is beyond the navigation system. The 2010-2012 system has Enform, you have Bluetooth audio streaming, Pandora, etc. Navigation is pretty much the same...in fact even on a 2016 it's pretty much the same.
The Enform App Suite isn't available in pre-2013 LS460's. The older generation Nav system isn't compatible:

http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdriver...senform/faq.do

2010-2012 just has Enform Safety Connect, Destination Assist, and eDestination.

If I were OP, I'd just get one of the aftermarket products to add Bluetooth Audio connectivity and a USB port(?) that a previous poster suggested.
Attached Thumbnails LS600 infotainment system upgrade-image.png  

Last edited by Gbp; 04-27-16 at 07:33 AM.
Old 04-27-16 | 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by hfahmy
You can get music BT with $150 investment in Vaistech SL3B. Installation is very simple.
This. And it works great.
Old 04-27-16 | 07:54 AM
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There are a few other differences I'm aware of in the infotainment/navigation systems between 2007-2009 and 2010-2012 LS460's:

A slight change in the color scheme on the screen;

I think (but needs verification) that 2007-2009 doesn't announce street names when navigating to a destination, but 2010 does. I know the latter is true, but I'm not sure about the former;

On 2007-2009 models you can rip a CD to the hard drive (albeit with some loss in bit rate), whereas you can't on the 2010-2012 models, where the hard drive is just for navigation data;

2007-2009 models have the capability of recording and recalling memo information in the calendar. That was lost in the 2010 refresh;

I believe more car settings are accessible from the infotainment system, starting in the 2010 models. It's possible that an app, such as Carista, would allow access to those settings.

IMO, there's not a huge difference in infotainment between the 2007-2009 and the 2010 versions beyond what has already been discussed.
Old 04-27-16 | 07:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Gbp
The Enform App Suite isn't available in pre-2013 LS460's. The older generation Nav system isn't compatible:

http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdriver...senform/faq.do

2010-2012 just has Enform Safety Connect, Destination Assist, and eDestination.

If I were OP, I'd just get one of the aftermarket products to add Bluetooth Audio connectivity and a USB port(?) that a previous poster suggested.
I remembered my 2010 ES having Pandora, etc...
Old 04-27-16 | 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by SW15LS
I remembered my 2010 ES having Pandora, etc...
That's odd... Both my '10s have Enform, BT audio and USB port (i.e., everything that debuted in MY 2010), but no Apps. I would've sworn that first appeared as part of spindle grille update, beginning in MY2013 with the refresh/redesign across LS, LX, GS, ES and RX.
Old 04-27-16 | 05:26 PM
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Seeing that I'm 4 years removed from my 2010 I could be wrong.
Old 04-27-16 | 05:49 PM
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To the OP's original question, its cheaper to trade the 2008 in on a newer car with the features he wants, than to upgrade the older car.
Old 04-29-16 | 09:01 PM
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Yeah, no one wants to hear it but he's right... Trading in is cheaper otherwise Bluetooth mod for streaming audio is the most cost effective solution.... I traded in my 2010 RX and I'd say that is a feature I currently miss... Streaming music from my phone was awesome and easy

Originally Posted by Gbp
There are a few other differences I'm aware of in the infotainment/navigation systems between 2007-2009 and 2010-2012 LS460's:

A slight change in the color scheme on the screen;

I think (but needs verification) that 2007-2009 doesn't announce street names when navigating to a destination, but 2010 does. I know the latter is true, but I'm not sure about the former;

On 2007-2009 models you can rip a CD to the hard drive (albeit with some loss in bit rate), whereas you can't on the 2010-2012 models, where the hard drive is just for navigation data;

2007-2009 models have the capability of recording and recalling memo information in the calendar. That was lost in the 2010 refresh;

I believe more car settings are accessible from the infotainment system, starting in the 2010 models. It's possible that an app, such as Carista, would allow access to those settings.

IMO, there's not a huge difference in infotainment between the 2007-2009 and the 2010 versions beyond what has already been discussed.
Recalling and recording memos is something I didn't know... Going to look into that. Thanks!
Old 05-08-16 | 12:40 AM
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Originally Posted by litesoarer
I don't believe it can be upgraded.

What options are you looking for in specific.
I was looking to have the streaming BT music and the newer navigational software. I think the screen is way more robust than what is in my 08 600hL. I really don't want to add anything that is not factory and I have checked into the other system the one guy posted. It's nice but not for me right now. Then again neither is 14 stacks just so that I do not have to plug into the audio jack and have a few more pixels on the screen.
Old 05-08-16 | 12:42 AM
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Originally Posted by litesoarer
I don't believe it can be upgraded.

What options are you looking for in specific.
I was looking to have the streaming BT music and the newer navigational software. I think the screen is way more robust than what is in my 08 600hL. I really don't want to add anything that is not factory and I have checked into the other system the one guy posted. It's nice but not for me right now. Then again neither is 14 stacks just so that I do not have to plug into the audio jack and have a few more pixels on the screen.
Old 05-08-16 | 07:37 AM
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Originally Posted by jasone36
Is there really such a huge difference between infotainment in 2007 - 2009 and 2011 - 2012?

I understand the "major" upgrade came in 2013... which would be impossible to install on a pre-2013 LS anyway.
If you are looking for audio quality - the 2007 - 2009 models had the best Mark Levinson sound system. 2010 - 2012 was awful. 2013+ is slightly better than the 2010 - 2012 models.
Old 05-08-16 | 07:59 AM
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Originally Posted by nsaldanh
If you are looking for audio quality - the 2007 - 2009 models had the best Mark Levinson sound system. 2010 - 2012 was awful. 2013+ is slightly better than the 2010 - 2012 models.
What is this based from?

Sounds just fine to me.


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